Europe and the United States have substantially different cultures of contemporary music presentation, especially in the loosely-defined area of "indie classical" music. For performers, composers, and management alike, negotiating those differences can be challenging, and create an obstacle to cross-continental presentation and collaboration.

This discussion aims to bring together interested parties to share experiences and perspectives that can help bridge the continental divide. Success stories are important, as are identifying the specific challenges and barriers that participants have encountered. As state institutions for funding diminishes around the world, finding ways to operate efficiently and independently is of critical importance. And while the session is centered on Europe and America, the discussion could gladly expand to include the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.